Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has stated he is contemplating whether it is “time to step aside” from international football following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

The 33-year-old has earned 67 caps for Argentina, playing every minute of the team’s eight World Cup matches, where he kept two clean sheets and conceded eight goals.

Advertisement

Martinez was part of the Argentina squad that won the World Cup in 2022, also receiving the golden glove award for being the tournament’s outstanding goalkeeper.

“I dreamt we’d win it again, I dreamt of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more,” Martinez wrote in a post on Instagram.

He added, “The truth is, the pain is hard to explain. There are many things to reflect on and how to move forward, and if it’s time to step aside.”

“I’m so sorry, I truly tried my best to help my country and my team-mates.”

Martinez won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards, in 2023 and 2024.

Advertisement

Since 2020, he has played for Aston Villa and has a contract until 2029, but he has been linked to a potential move to Italian club Juventus this summer.